Page:Mistress Madcap (1937).pdf/52



HE next morning the two girls, feeling stiff and lame, took their share of corn bread outside the hut to eat. Charity perched herself upon a great rock that stood outside the door; but Mehitable strode back and forth briskly as she ate.

"Better walk, too, Cherry," she said. "Best to get the blood a-going!"

"Nay, I feel warm enough in this thick cape. But I am so thirsty, Hitty! And I would like to wash my hands and face."

"Your wish will soon be granted. Daughter," said the Squire's voice, as he joined them. "Judd has gone to Rock Spring for water."

His keen glance swept the underbrush around them as he spoke. Suddenly he started and bent forward to scrutinize the ground more closely.

"It grew warmer in the night; the frost has melted from the ground and here are tracks—Indian tracks!" he exclaimed.

He straightened up and at that moment Charity spoke, as though to herself.

"Then it wasn't a dream!"

Squire Condit and Mehitable turned to look at her.